What’s Up this Week: June 26 – July 2, 2006
Greetings, fellow SkyWatchers! As warm nights and later sky dark hours descend on the northern hemisphere, it's time to begin…
SMART-1 Prepares for the End
ESA's SMART-1 has been orbiting the Moon for 16 months, but it's out of fuel, so its life is almost…
Astronauts Prepare for New Supply Ship
Astronauts on board the International Space Station have had a busy week preparing for their next Progress cargo ship. On…
MESSENGER Flips Over to Get Some Shade
As NASA's MESSENGER spacecraft gets closer to Mercury, it's also flying closer to the Sun. And temperatures are rising. The…
Artificial Solar System Could Search for Extra Dimensions
The concept of extra dimensions, that there are whole other regions of reality that we can't perceive, has tantalized physicists…
Four Planets Shine in the Evening
Linger outside after dark and you'll be in for a treat next week. Four of our solar system's bright planets…
Did V838 Monocerotis Eat Three Jupiters?
V838 Monocerotis. You might not remember the name, or even be able to pronounce it, but you've seen the pictures.…
Pluto’s New Moons are Named Nix and Hydra
The International Astronomical Union approved new names for Pluto's recently discovered tiny moons. Previously designated S/2005 P 1 and 2,…
Delta II Launches Micro-Satellite Technology Experiment
A Boeing Delta II rocket blasted off on Wednesday carrying an experimental satellite for the US Military. The rocket lifted…
Pluto’s Planethood Will Be Decided Shortly
Pluto has been considered a planet since its discovery, but this position has come under threat with the discovery of…